Revision as of 11:50, 13 July 2009

Part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, looking from the highest point Pen Y Fan (2907 feet, 886 metres) to Cribyn (2608 feet, 795 metres)

The Brecon Beacons National Park[1] is located in southern Wales, part of the United Kingdom. Within an area of 1347 sq km (520 sq miles), the Park contains some of the most spectacular and distinctive upland formations in southern Britain. Stretching from Hay-on-Wye in the east to Llandeilo in the west, the park includes the Black Mountains, the Central Beacons and Fforest Fawr as well as a vast array of moorland, forests, valleys, waterfalls, lakes, caves and gorges.

Contents

Understand

History

The Brecon Beacons mountain range was designated as a National Park in 1957.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

From London, take the M4 motorway into South Wales. Turn off at exit 22 (near Cardiff) onto A470 towards Brecon. Further west, leave the motorway at exit 43 onto the A465 or at exit 45 (near Swansea) onto the A4067. Take both roads in the direction of Brecon. The A4067, in particular, passes through some very pleasant scenery, and you will be reminded of the famous quote by a famous Buddhist master the whole way: "the journey is the goal." One scenic drive off of the main A470 is the A4059. It sticks to the high ground and has opportunities to see wild Welsh Mountain Ponies.

There are regular bus services from both Swansea (Quadrant Bus Station) and Cardiff (Railway Station bus terminal) into the park area.

Fees/Permits

Get around

See

Wild Welsh ponies still roam the Brecon Beacons.

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Get out

Wales' capital city, Cardiff, is a place to head should the weather turn wet - good museums and a castle to explore. There are a huge variety of shops in the city centre, many of which are located in covered arcades.

Swansea and the Swansea Bay region compliments the Breacon hills with wide, sandy beaches - also the excellent leisure center and National Waterfront Museum will keep the whole family amused.